Is Sex Addiction Really a Thing?

In short, Yes it is. The term "Sex Addiction" is a term to describe a broad spectrum of out-of-control behaviors. From problematic porn use, strip clubs, use of escorts, anonymous hookups or serial infidelity, sex addiction is a real and neurobiologically based condition that shatters marriages, self esteem and causes suffering in the lives of millions of men and women. 

Sex addiction treatment is not a puritanical, harsh and restrictive point of view that seeks to take all the fun out of life. The goal of sex addiction treatment is the development and education of healthy, relational, mutually rewarding hot sex! 

Sex Addiction treatment at Tacoma Recovery Counseling is NOT anti-homosexual, anti-polyamorous, anti-transgender and does not reflect or condone many of the opposing and condemning viewpoints a rigid and narrowly understood definition of human sexuality attempts to propagate. Sexuality is a wondrously diverse and precious aspect of who we are as people!

 Sexual addiction is sometimes accompanied by other addictions, both chemical and behavioral.

Some out of control, repetitive behaviors, which may reflect sexual addiction include:

• Compulsive use of online porn, with frequent unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut back.
• High and frequent use of escorts or sex workers.
• Crossing professional boundaries with sexual behavior.
• A sexual "Double Life" based on secrets.
• Frequent use of strip clubs or sensual massage parlors.

Please do not misunderstand this. Not everyone who engages in the above behaviors is a sex addict. Not by any means. Sexual addiction is defined as persistent and escalating patterns of sexual behaviors acted out despite increasingly negative consequences to self or others.

Diagnosing sexual addiction is not always a simple task. Initially what looks like sex addiction may be something else, perhaps drug use, mental illness or emotional distress. Correctly determining if sexual addiction is present requires the support and guidance of a sex addiction therapist.

However, if you are curious, please follow this link to take the Sex Addiction Screening Tool, a free confidential assessment. Again, a simple 20 Question test will not determine for sure if you are an addict, but it will provide some helpful information.

 If you are seeking to determine if sex addiction is impacting your life, as a spouse or partner or if you are struggling with out of control behavior, we can help.